TheCarConnection.com Names Six Crossovers To Watch at the 2009 New York Auto Show
Even with the economy in a severe downturn, consumers still are turning to certain types of new vehicles to tackle their lives head-on–whether it’s commuting to work, carpooling kids to school or heading out for weekend adventures.
Instead of piloting big, bulky SUVs, though, car shoppers are increasingly turning to crossover vehicles. At this week’s New York Auto Show, crossover vehicles are being introduced by the major automakers–luxury brands included–and according to the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com, this may signal a clear move from the SUV to the lighter, more versatile Crossover.
“Crossover vehicles have essentially replaced big SUVs in the minds of many shoppers,” said TheCarConnection.com’s executive editor, Marty Padgett. “They frequently have better fuel economy, more carlike handling and extra entertainment oriented features. The car companies are responding to consumer demand and rolling out these new, more user-friendly utility vehicles with the features they like.”
The car experts at TheCarConnection.com, the flagship reviews site at High Gear Media–report that even at GM and Chrysler, the financial crisis hasn’t stopped introductions of two critically important new crossovers. The most important new crossovers on display in New York this week include:
2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M
BMW’s American-made “sport-activity vehicles” get a major injection of horsepower thanks to the automaker’s M division. Both the upright X5 and the sleeker, coupe like X6 get a twin-turbo V-8 with 555 horsepower and a price tag likely soaring past $75,000–but either one’s still cheaper than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid
Mercedes already sells a greener ML-Class with a diesel engine; now the German automaker launches a hybrid version of its gas-engined ML-Class, giving consumers the rare choice of either green machine.
2010 Kia Sorento
Kia’s mainstream SUV once took on the Ford Explorer; the new version has become more of a big wagon, with less emphasis on off-roading and more emphasis on seven-passenger seating and all-weather safety.
2010 Acura ZDX
Like BMW, Acura’s taking its mainstream ute and spinning a sexier version from it. In this case, the Acura MDX gets a four-seat silhouette to become the 2010 ZDX. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are expected.
2010 GMC Terrain
The Chevrolet Equinox was previewed in GM’s federal-loan filing. Now, the GMC brand gets a creased-and-folded twin with its own edgy styling and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines promise best-in-class fuel economy.
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The latest version of Jeep’s venerable sport-ute surfaces this week after being leaked in Chrysler’s federal loan filings. The new version’s now a cousin of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; even though Chrysler and Mercedes are going their separate ways, the Grand Cherokee now shares some pieces with the former Benz ML, though it has its own new fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V-6 underhood. All-wheel drive and a V-8 engine are options.
Source: TheCarConnection.com
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